'Designed For Sharing' Silent Auction Catalogue

A FANTINI MOSAICI CHARITY INITIATIVE SILENT AUCTION CATALOGUE

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

SCALE 1:500,000

Weight of table 20.5 kg

970

DESIGNED FOR SHARING

THE CHARITY-DESIGN INITIATIVE

During the COVID-19 lockdown period, leading Italian mosaic firm Fantini Mosaici invited a select number of long-term UAE residents to participate in a charity design initiative. Based in Milan, family-owned Fantini Mosaici has been operating in the UAE for almost 15 years, and its new project is supported by the Embassy of Italy to the United Arab Emirates.

CHARITY DONATIONUAE RED CRESCENT AUTHORITY

The entire revenue from the proceeds will be donated to the UAE Red Crescent Authority.

Headed by their Highnesses Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the charity is recognised by the International Federation of Red Crescent and Red Cross. The Authority provides domestic and international aid assistance and various humanitarian assistance for the vulnerable, the needy and victims of accidents and disasters. It is currently involved with aid programmes to support the people of Lebanon. www.rcuae.ae

DESIGN PROCESS

Coming from all walks of life, the 17 handpicked participants – including artists, sports personalities, journalists, photographers, designers and entrepreneurs – conceptualised the decoration for the tables.

In addition to the 17 tables designed by the participants, two tables were created by the Fantini Mosaici design studio; one inspired by the UAE flag, the other by the new UAE brand logo.

Then, during the lockdown period, the mosaic artisans at the Fantini Mosaici ME headquarters in Abu Dhabi transformed the individual artworks into stunning mosaic patterns.

EXHIBITION VENUES

Dubai Design Week, Dubai Design District (d3) Building 3 R/06

9-14 November 2020

Downtown Design Digital Fair

9-14 November 2020

SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

A social media campaign is now live across all major platforms.

SILENT AUCTION BIDDING PROCESS

Buyers can submit their bid by sending a message via Fantini Mosaici’s social media platforms – Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook – or by emailing project@fantinimosaici.it

The bidding starts on November 9 and closes on December 5, 2020.

ABOUT FANTINI MOSAICI

Best known in the UAE for its spectacular marble and mosaic work in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, as well as the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel.

The company also created decorations in glass mosaic and gold for the recently completed Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Grand Mosque in Al Ain. The main architectural feature of the mosque is the dome, the weight of table is 20.5 kg, with an exterior circumference of more than 260 metres and a height of 75 metres. Fantini Mosaici decorated the majestic dome adorned with verses from the Holy Quran with mosaic, making it reputedly the largest dome in the world to be entirely covered with pieces of artisanal mosaic.

Fantini Mosaici also creates mosaic installations for luxury retail boutiques, including leading designer brands such as Versace, Hermès, Bottega Veneta, Pomellato, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Prada. The company’s exquisite mosaic masterpieces can also be found in some of the world’s most luxurious private homes and luxury hotels.

create mosaic masterpieces around the world. Recently, Fantini Mosaici created a limited edition collection of coffee tables, in the shape of the map of Lebanon and decorated with Murano glass mosaic in the colours of the Lebanese flag. Three pieces of the ten-piece limited edition collection have already been sold, and the proceeds will be donated to the Lebanese Red Cross.

“During this period, when there is so much pain and suffering in the world, we wanted to create an initiative that would allow us to give back to society. We plan to donate the proceeds of this ‘Designed for Sharing’ initiative to a leading UAE charity,”

Established more than 100 years ago, the family-owned global firm is headed by its dynamic CEO Enrico Fantin, who collaborates with the world’s top

designers

and architects to

Enrico Fantin, CEO of Fantini Mosaici

FEDERICO ALBA

ITALIAN GOLF PROFESSIONAL, SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

SAADIYAT’S HOLE-18

“ I found my inspiration for this design while playing at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

I was into the 18th hole tee-shot when I realised the similarities between the natural shape of the UAE and the final hole of the famous Gary Player-designed golf course.

What I like most is the representation of a ‘running gazelle’! Undoubtedly, it’s the icon of the golf course where I am based, the island where I live and for a symbol of the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

What I tried to represent with this project is what describes me as a human being today; personally, professionally and spiritually. Sport changed my life and gave me the chance to travel the world and meet great people. I could never be happier to live and work in Abu Dhabi today, and I think that the UAE will be my home for many years to come. ”

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Table 1: Saadiyat’s Hole-18

DR NASHWA AL RUWAINI

EMIRATI ENTREPRENEUR-PHILANTHROPIST AND CEO, PYRAMEDIA

TRADITION MATTERS

“ The design is made using geometric shapes, integrating the colours of the UAE flag and the colours of traditional elements.

Emirati culture is very rich and varied, and full of pride and pleasant Arabian Bedouin colours and shapes, including the ‘Al-Sadu’ –one of the traditional embroidery crafts that Emirati women have been practising since ancient times.

This traditional form of weaving is practised in rural communities of the United Arab Emirates to produce soft furnishings and decorative accessories.

By combining those patterns with the geographical shape of the UAE country and flag colours, we created this amazing piece of art, which reflects the historical and cultural spirit of the UAE. ”

ZAINAB ALSALIH

IRAQI

WEDDING PLANNER AND FOUNDER + CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CAROUSEL EVENTS + CASA

SANDS OF LOVE

“ No matter how different the traditions and ceremonies of weddings around the world may be, love remains genuinely universal, and this was one of the main inspirations behind this sculpture. The artistry of Arabic calligraphy also inspired me. And while it appears as an abstract art form, here it has the added meaning of spelling out the names of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates.

The contrast between the groom’s traditional attire and the flowing white wedding dress of the bride creates such an interesting image. It’s this image, and all that it conveys, that has also inspired this piece. ”

AFRA BIN SULOOM

EMIRATI INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER, HOME BAZAR AND MONOGRAM INTERIORS

REFLECTIVE TOWER

“ When thinking about my design, I thought of the many magical places and buildings around us in my beautiful country. I’m inspired by the combination of the desert dunes, the sea, man-made islands and the modernity of buildings and roads.

I chose the Burj Khalifa, which enjoys universal appeal, as it also inspires me in terms of its lofty and brilliant presence that reflects strength, success, ambition and beauty.

In this design, I tried to highlight the Burj Khalifa and to make it shine, just as we see it in reality. The reflection of the sun on the façade throughout the day and during sunset is unbelievable, and you can see so many different colours and shades from different angles.

I am very proud to have the world’s tallest building at the heart of my piece for this charity project. ”

Reflective tower

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CARL BERGMAN

SWEDISH GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND ARTIST

COLOURS OF OIL

“ The top of my piece is extracted from my colour palette.

I’ve been using this palette throughout the 20 years that I have been painting and living in the UAE. It’s a sort of ‘fall fruit’ art from all the other artworks that I’ve been producing. On the side is a detail of a striped wavy pattern that I’ve often featured in my oil paintings, as a sort of colourful barcode or perhaps a symbol of the UAE’s unique diversity of people. ”

DESIGNED FOR

GIORGIO PALERMO

ITALIAN FOUNDER NIU STUDIO

ELENA GREGORUTTI

ITALIAN PARTNER NIU STUDIO

DESTINATION UAE

“ We have interpreted the UAE as a destination of mixed culture and experiences.

Exploring the desert panoramas along the coastline outside the cities gives you a peaceful and serene environment. At the same time, the golden sandy beaches under the Emirati blue sky allow us to enjoy ourselves and have fun.

The design seeks to show this contrast between these experiences – the heat of the desert-scapes and the cooling and refreshing fun-filled beach activities – that offer the best of both worlds.

The intent is to show how this country embraces diversity, and how people of mixed cultures relax in and love this country. It’s a luxurious destination, connecting the fusion of futuristic and traditional culture and environments. ”

Destination UAE

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ANTOINE HONEIN

FOUNDER, HOUSE OF ART FOR WATCHES, JEWELLERY & ANTIQUES

INSPIRED NATION

“ The honesty and vision of the UAE rulers for the nation inspired me to draw this concept for the table.

My piece is a tribute to the seven emirates’ rulers and Sheikhs, whom I believe continuously give us confidence and keep us energised and inspired.

I’m continually impressed at the innovative and creative ideas and concepts that the government launches on an ongoing basis to stimulate the economy and, in turn, motivate the entrepreneurs and residents. Their passion and determination to develop the country is infectious and keeps us all united to succeed together. ” LEBANESE

FREYA JAFFAR

ANGLO-PAKISTANI CEO, THREE MEDIA AND FOUNDER OF FREYA’S HOUSE OF BEAUTY LADIES’ SALON

A BUTTERFLY OVER THE CITY

“ I modelled my design on a butterfly wing.

Some of the many things a butterfly traditionally represents are endurance, transformation, hope, soul and life. And this represents the changes in the UAE since its formation in 1971.

At a deeper level, I feel the UAE has given me a second chance at life. The Arabian dream is there for us all if we are willing to pour passion and hard work into it. We all have a chance at transforming into beyond what we could imagine.

My design is one wing, as the other wing is ‘you’. Together we complete the butterfly.

The mirrored mosaic represents reflection and looking at the past; yellow, the colour of the UAE native flower, is surrounded by the colours of the UAE flag; while blue represents the sea. The different tones symbolise the people that come to the UAE from all over the world. ”

A butterfly over the city

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EMEL MOUBARAK

TURKISH/LEBANESE/FRENCH JOURNALIST

PEACEFUL GENEROSITY

“ The UAE is a story as much as a country. It’s a story of resilience, growth and success – much like the palm tree in the desert, growing beautifully against all the odds.

The UAE is also a story of peace and generosity, much like what the palm tree represents: delicious dates and comforting shade for the people who live under it.

I am as ‘Mediterranean’ as one can be: full-heartedly Turkish, Lebanese and French. Along with my husband and four children, I have been enjoying living under this palm for the last 15 years.

I studied journalism and have always been attracted to art. Recently, I started painting, and this project with Fantini Mosaici has been my most exciting artistic adventure. ”

ORNELLA PARIGI

ITALIAN GLOBETROTTING ‘EXECUTIVE’ HOUSEWIFE

MOMENTS IN TIME

“ The inspiration for my piece is deeply rooted in my long and ongoing affection for the UAE and the enduring memories of my experiences here.

I am not an artist but I love photography and this piece features some of my photos that remind me of the beautiful moments that I have experienced in this country.

My husband and I first arrived in the UAE in 1994, and I immediately felt a great passion for this country. Our stay has not been constant. We were posted here three times, and now we have spent half of our life in the UAE.

Now we are based in London, and I sadly miss the UAE, the culture, the traditions, the climate, the golf and the animals. I’m passionate about golf and I love animals.

I love to socialise and help others. During Ramadan three years ago, I had one of the most beautiful experiences of my life, one that I will always carry in my heart. ”

PERCY PILANE

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER

MODERN TRADITION

“ The inspiration for my design was the UAE – a home for everyone. The colourful national flag reminds us that whether you are white, black, green or red, we are all welcome and the ever-friendly Emiratis are always ready to help.

The Clock Tower reminds us all that there is time to pray (mosque), time to travel (Dubai Metro), time for leisure (yacht) and – last but not least – time to dream and fly sky-high like a falcon! The impressive Aldar HQ building, also known as ‘The Coin’, brings us back to reality, as ‘coin’ reminds us of the importance and the supremacy of money. ”

DIVERSITY

“ The multi-coloured figures in my design represent the diversity of people who call the UAE home. A recurring pattern in my artwork, it is used in this design to highlight the culture of tolerance that prevails in the UAE. It also represents the spirit of kindness, respect and humanity our leaders promote within the UAE and across the globe. ”

NOURA ALI RAMAHI

LEBANESE-EMIRATI ARTIST

PRATYUSH SARUP

INDIAN JOURNALIST AND HEAD OF PROGRAMMING, DOWNTOWN DESIGN

DESERT MIRAGE

“ To honour the artisanal heritage of mosaic, I wanted to create something that felt connected to the earth. Fantini Mosaici offered the ideal inspiration in the form of an extruded map of the UAE, a place I have called home for over a decade. Representing the UAE in spirit and geographic context, golden glass mosaic rises to meet a silver mirrored surface that faces the sky, blending with the dunes below and reflecting the blazing sun above. As such, the table becomes a metaphor for the UAE as a gleaming beacon. Meanwhile, appearing as a mirage from afar mirrors the hopes and aspirations of those who come closer.

With just two types of mosaic in a modern, clean pattern, the project firmly places the focus on the exceptional skills of the craftsmen. ”

CECILIA SETTERDAHL

SWEDISH ARTIST/DESIGNER & FOUNDER, CARPETS CC

UNITED BY GEOMETRY

“ The design is about how I view and experience the UAE. I always work with clean geometrical forms and so the table is designed in my style. The most important elements for me are the water and the sand. The blue colour symbolises water and fountains, while the beige represents the feeling of sand and dunes. The UAE, especially for me, is glamour and luxury symbolised by gold and silver. The crisp white and black refer to the ‘abaya’ and ‘kandura’ that remind me of where I am.

Lastly, the seven circular images stand for the seven emirates. ”

MELANIE STONES

AESTHETIC IDENTITY

“ Having moved to the UAE at three weeks old, I have been surrounded and inspired by Arabic culture, architecture and design for much of my life. My love and respect for animals has also been with me ever since I can remember and so it was natural for me to intertwine my genuine appreciation for both in my work. The combination of the aesthetically beautiful Islamic patterns with the majestic movement of the regions’ animals also serves as a reminder to conserve both in our ever-changing modern lives, for future generations. ”

BRITISH ARTIST AND ANIMAL RESCUER

SEBASTIÁN TAGLIABÚE

UAE-NATURALISED ARGENTINIAN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER PLAYER, AL NASR AND UAE NATIONAL TEAMS

MARIANA MACIEL

ARGENTINIAN FITNESS WEAR DIRECTOR, ZUMBA FITNESS & ZUMBA WEAR ME

THE EIGHTH AMONG THE WONDERS

“ Travelling the world gives you the beautiful key to knowledge. Our design represents the ‘Wonders of the World’, including the UAE’s number one wonder – the unique Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. ”

The eighth among the wonders

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DARIUSH ZANDI

IRANIAN ARCHITECT-PHOTOGRAPHERGALLERIST, FOUNDER, TOTAL ARTS GALLERY

DUNES THROUGH THE LENS

“ A frame of the desert is the instant picture that runs through my thoughts when asked for one of the UAE.

I’m surrounded by and influenced as a photographer and explorer by this image, and constantly encounter it in my daily life.

It was this connection that first drew me to this region in 1978 and helped ensure my continued survival and well-being.

The idea of using this image was encouraged when I saw the connection with the shape and form of the rippling edge of the map of UAE; and as a matter fact those undulating meeting points where the desert, the sea and the mountain meet made perfect sense.

The fluidity of Fantini Mosaici’s hand-made miniature tiles, and the experience that I had in the past with the skills that the company’s craftsmen work with, assured me of the masterfulness of the outcome. ”

FANTINI MOSAICI

For more than a century one of Italy’s leading mosaic firms, Fantini Mosaici, has been creating unique hand-made interiors and exteriors using mosaic and the most beautiful marble.

From Milan to Miami, Abu Dhabi to Antigua, Los Angeles to Macau, the family-owned luxury firm has been making an indelible mark on prestigious projects of all shapes and sizes. From kitchen backsplashes to five-star hotels, luxury boutiques, presidential palaces and mosques, Fantini Mosaici is synonymous the world-over with the handmade, customised projects that project the best of ‘Made in Italy’.

Domenico Fantini, a local mosaic artisan, established the company in Milan in 1900. Using the finest materials and techniques that dated back to the ancient Romans and Greeks, Fantini laid the foundations and fundamental framework that the firm’s global workforce continues to utilise today.

The traditions and knowledge of these gifted artisans has been handed down from one generation to the next, and employed across numerous prestigious architectural projects including the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade in Milan.

In 1969, a new generation of the Fantini family, including Italo Fantin and Marco Fantini, took over the reins of tradition and excellence. In 1994 they created a separate company, Fantini Marmi, specialising in natural stones.

Today, Fantini Mosaici enjoys a niche in the global market and is headed by Enrico Fantin, the present CEO whose vision led to the

opening of Fantini Mosaici, USA Inc, in Miami in 1999. Fantini Mosaici srl, in Abu Dhabi, was established In 2005 as the company’s Middle East branch office, which has led to some significant projects – including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and, more recently, the Presidential Palace.

While using the latest state-of-the-art technology, including water jet stone-cutting machinery, the firm’s strength is its reliance on the human personal touch – which is key from the beginning to the end of any architectural project. Crews of highly specialised artisans, designers and engineers are deployed to the company’s projects across the world.

The family firm is widely recognised for the work it has done in promoting the best of ‘Made in Italy’ to the world.

In 2015 Enrico Fantin was recognised by the Italian government and received the ‘Ordine della Stella d’Italia’ medal in recognition of his efforts and initiatives to promote Italian craftsmanship globally.

“In these unprecedented times caused by COVID-19, we as a family-owned firm are committed to our craft, heritage and dedication to our niche market sector. Working handin-hand with the world’s top architects and designers, our goal is to continue to create exquisite mosaics, pebble stone, Venetian terrazzo and marble interiors and exteriors that add functionality, beauty and value to architectural projects,” he says, adding, “We are continuing the traditional handcraft of our forefathers, enhanced by technology, to pass to the next generation.”

1971

Inspired by the four colours of the UAE flag designed in 1971.

Fantini Mosaici

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THE EMIRATES

Inspired by the seven lines of the official new UAE brand logo.

Fantini Mosaici

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Photography: Tommaso Ciancio Photography

With the support of: